Loose Ends and Weekends

My knitting basket was overflowing with semi-finished projects, and so this morning I wove in the loose ends on a number of them: the top layer is the very first pair of socks that I knit:

below the socks are a number of scarves and shawls that I have knit over the past few months. Prior to my cataract surgery, my vision had deteriorated to the point that I could no longer knit socks or anything on small needles with fine yarn, so scarves satisfied my need to knit. Now, I can wash and block these babies and get them wrapped up for Christmas!

We've spent a lovely couple of days in Midtown, enjoying a few new eateries. Last night we enjoyed our second dinner at Lupe, a lovely little Mexican restaurant just across the street from our condo. Today we had a very nice lunch at Evos, which has recently opened in the ground floor of the Viewpoint:

Evos prides itself on healthy foods, not fried, many vegan and/or veggie fares are offered, the beef is humanely raised and hormone-free, etc. You can read more here. I look forward to more light meals there, especially in the warmer months when we can enjoy their outdoor seating and bring Barker along.

After our early morning walk, we ambled across the street and throughly enjoyed breakfast at the Bakeshop, which I wrote about a week or so ago. Barker opted to stay at the condo, so we ate on the premises this morning, and really enjoyed watching the bake staff as they carefully worked their doughs:

(I snapped this picture from my seat, while the chef was rolling up croissants.)

My husband has truly become an Atlanta foodie! Here he is with one of the staff, checking out today's bread offerings:

here's a view of some of the pastries offered :

We just love the Bakeshop, and are so happy that they have moved in close to our digs!

We went to see The Bad Lieutenant this afternoon. I wasn't too keen on going, but since I had checked off all of the items on today's to-do list, I welcomed the diversion and entertainment. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed the movie. Nicholas Cage was, as always, fantastic. Go see it!

We enjoyed dinner tonight at ECCO, my favorite Midtown restaurant, and the food and service were, as always, fantastic.

PEACE

A Fine Time Was Had!

I've been dyeing up a storm, but most of it I cannot show you, as some of you may be the recipients of the aforementioned sessions!

This, however, I will reveal:

I am totally in love with this fabric. It is from Thai Silks, and I cannot give you anymore details than that. It does have a bit of lycra in it, and it dyes like a charm! The above piece is one that I was playing with, in hopes of making a top for myself, and I think it will work! If it does, you can be sure that I'll post pics of it right here!!

Here's a scarf that I made with some of the same silk:

The selvedge is very interesting in itself, and takes the dye pretty well. I decided to leave the selvedge on, and then I roll-hemmed the other cut edge with my serger.

Here's the selvedge:

and here's my rolled hem:

and here are my Snow Drops!

I thought they were supposed to show their adorable little faces in January or February: what happened?

I am pleased to see that they have multiplied over the past year....now I see results of the fish emulsion fertilizer I oh-so-lovingly doused them with last summer!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

PEACE

Frosty Morning Walk

Welcome to December!

I believe this is our first morning with a heavy frost, and Barker and I had the distinct honor of walking together on the golf course. I'm so glad that you could join us!

This last pic is not from the walk, but a piece that I'm presently playing with in my studio.

HAPPY DECEMBER

PEACE

In and Out of Town

We spent the night in the city last night, taking in "An Education" at Midtown Art Cinema followed by Sushi at Silk, which is conveniently located in the ground floor of our condo building. The movie was thought-provoking, but somewhat disturbing. The Sushi, on the other hand, was delicious as usual.

While at the condo, I felt the 'need' for art this morning and recalled that my buddy Gerrie had discovered a wonderful sketching app for her iPhone, so I found her blog post recommending Doodle Buddy, and loaded it onto my new toy. It's a lot of fun to use, and I'm sure that this morning's introduction has only just whet my appetite.

Another new dining establishment has opened right across the street from our little condo:

We've been eagerly awaiting the Concentric Group's Bakeshop, since first tasting their divine pastries at Piedmont Park's Green Market. YUMMMMM! Yesterday we enjoyed a little lunch there on the patio, with Barker in tow. This morning we picked up Danish and coffee after our morning walk through the neighborhood. I am looking forward to next summer when we can read the paper on their patio and enjoy their breakfast fare.

Barker is doing much better today! Thank you all for sending along your best wishes....they meant a lot. We've had two nights of very good and much needed sleep, and he has regained his appetite. Phew!! We had a very pleasant evening walk on the golf course at about 5:15 PM. The moon is once again almost full:

The sun is setting so early now, but I am reminded that in another three weeks, the daylight hours will slowly get longer again!

PEACE

Sick As A Dog

This handsome young man had us up and wide awake by 4:00 AM yesterday.

He desperately wanted 'out', but then when out, that didn't seem to satisfy. So, in he'd saunter (it was about 40 F outside) but as soon as he was in again, he'd want out. We finally got up, took him on a short walk, and then C trundled him off to our loving Vet. He stayed all day under observation, and then after two IVs, he was discharged to home on a very strict diet. So two weeks of an upset tummy may finally have come to an end. I sure hope so!

I spent a good bit of the day with my Mom. She was having two of our good friends, Bobbie and Jill, in for lunch, and then I stayed while her physical therapist put her through her paces.

After picking up Barker at the Vet's and taking him on another short golf course walk, I squeezed in just enough art to keep me sane. Here are four pieces done on card stock with acrylics:

I like to cut them up and use them as cards.......and it's a good way to play with color and free up my emotions.

PEACE

Giving Thanks

Over the past few days I've spent a good bit of time thinking, thinking about all of the things that I am so very thankful for in this wonderful life: things that I pretty much take for granted on a daily basis. I'm thankful for my wonderful family, my awesome friends, for good health, and the good health of so many that I hold dear to me. I'm thankful for an embarrassing abundance of food, clothing, and so many things that I have become accustomed to but are actually luxuries to so very many in this world. I'm also thankful to you all.....you who come and read, leaving for the most part positive but always thoughtful suggestions and comments, and offering wonderful friendships from all around the world. When I started writing this blog, I never imagined what I would gain in so many dear and cherished friends. My main goals were to document my work (and perhaps become more productive) and to keep in touch with distant family and friends. Well, you guys have made this all so much more! I cherish you all, and want to thank you for taking the time to check in with me, check up on me when I'm AWOL for a while, put up with me and my moods, and also participate. So, THANK YOU!!!

The last vestiges of Fall:

and look, my first bulbs are bursting forth:

and here are some gifts from this evening's dye bath:

ain't life grand!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL

and, of course:

PEACE

Morning Walk

As many of you know, Barker and I take a lovely morning walk on our nearby golf course several days a week (and C takes him on the mornings that I do not, so he gets a good bit of exercise). I have often wished in the past that I had my camera along so that I could share with you some of the beautiful inspiration that I find in those early morning hours. Well, my new iPhone has accomplished just that! We've had a rainy couple of days and the leaves are falling like mad, so the cart paths are adorned with some beautiful monoprints.

I just love this leaf.....and tomorrow its print will be there on the cement:

the pine needles leave interesting prints

ah, and a doggie paw print adorning a leaf print
there's that doggie!

one of my favorite views across our lake......looks like we may have a sunny day!

I had just a few free minutes to putter (aka clean up) in the dye studio yesterday. Here's a piece that I'm currently working on:

My Monday morning ritual is helping my Mom with her laundry and enjoying breakfast with her: they make the best biscuits and grits in town! MMMM!!!! While her clothes are in the dryer, we manage to squeeze in a few games of Dominoes.

Mommy finally beat me at this game! Doesn't she look fabulous for 92! The very interesting and unique painting behind Mom was done by Lola, one of her artist friends. Lola still exhibits at the Quinlan Art Center.........I want to be like Lola and my Mom if I ever have to grow up!

PEACE

'Elizabeth B' asked after my last post, if I had added the gold in one of the scarves before or after the Shibori. Before! That scarf was dyed and painted a year ago, and I never got the color that I wanted, so I thought I would further experiment with it. I really love it now! Welcome Elizabeth! It appears that you live rather nearby in the big scheme of things. I wish you'd email me sometime.